The Problem Solving Process for Programming

Define

• Read the instructions carefully to ensure you understand the goals
• Rephrase the problem in your own words
• Identify any new skills you are being asked to apply
• Look for other problems you've solved that are similar to this one
• If there is starter code, read it to understand what it does

Prepare

• Write out an idea in plain English or pseudocode Sketch out your idea on paper
• List what you already know how to do and what you don't yet
• Describe your idea to a classmate
• Review similar programs that you've written in the past

Try

• Write one small piece at a time
• Test your program often
• Use comments to document what your code does Apply appropriate debugging strategies
• Go back to previous steps if you get stuck or don't know whether you've solved the problem

Reflect

• Compare your finished program to the defined problem to make sure you've solved all aspects of the problem
• Ask a classmate to try your program and note places where they struggle or exhibit confusion
• Ask a classmate to read your code to make sure that your documentation is clear and accurate
• Try to "break" your program to find types of interactions or input that you could handle better
• Identify a few incremental changes that you could make in the next iteration